Resin Systems

New composite applications may ask for new thermoplastic composite material systems. Our value chain approach creates an inspiring and effective environment for new material development. The ability to recognize potential issues down the value chain in an early stage greatly increases the innovation speed, while reducing innovation costs. Also, potential applications are more easily identified in case the full value chain is actively involved. Reactive thermoplastic oligomer resin systems are one of such material innovations driven by TPRC.

Contact: Wouter Grouve

Objective

To evaluate the thermo-mechanical performance of new reactive liquid crystal oligomers (RLCO’s) as resin in fiber reinforced composites.

Keywords: liquid crystal polymers, impregnation, consolidation

Background/Introduction

New composite applications may ask for new thermoplastic composite material systems. Reactive liquid crystal oligomers (RLCO) systems potentially offer advantages over existing thermoplastic polymers, such as PEEK or PPS, for composites. These systems combine the characteristics of thermosets and thermoplastics and allow one to select the characteristics required for a specific application in one polymer. Composites based on these reactive oligomers can be processed as a thermoplastic composite, that is they can be deformed and fusion bonded at elevated temperature and subsequently cured after manufacturing, thereby further improving the thermo-mechanical properties. Most notably, the chemical resistance and maximum use temperature can be increased significantly. The proposed solution allows large-scale manufacturing of parts for high temperature applications in hostile environments, such as for example seen in aircraft propulsion systems. Together with the Technical University of Delft, TPRC works on these next-generation material systems for use in carbon fiber composites.

Approach

Initially, based on experience, several RLCO’s will be synthesized and characterized in terms of processability and performance. The resin requirements will be formulated by a technical advisory board. Once a suitable resin system is developed, carbon fiber reinforced composite laminates will be manufactured using this resin. The mechanical performance of these composites will be compared to those of C/PEEK. The fiber-resin interface performance will receive special attention as it plays an important role in the performance of composite materials. Finally, welding exercises and stamp-forming are planned and the resin system will be used to manufacture a proof-of-concept demonstrator.

TPRC, the ThermoPlastic composites Research Center in the Netherlands, is an open innovation, research- and development center that aims for thermoplastic composites for a broad range of end use markets.